Chapter 39: The Original Wife Who Spends Money Like Water (6)

"A-Yu, did you call for me because something is the matter?" Xue Ci stepped into the small courtyard with a smile, lowering his gaze. The pebble path beneath his feet had vanished, replaced by neatly laid blue bricks, with tiny gemstones faintly glittering in the seams.

The smile in Xue Ci’s eyes faded a little as his gaze swept across the courtyard, finally settling on the figure beneath the old pagoda tree.

He walked closer, noting that the woman’s reclining chair was nothing like the usual bamboo and wood one. This chair was carved entirely from lustrous white jade, its back and armrests adorned with exquisite patterns, the lines flowing elegantly, a testament to masterful craftsmanship. The backrest was as smooth as a mirror, cool to the touch, mostly concealed by a silken cushion. Jiang Youyou lounged lazily upon it, draped in gauzy robes that fluttered in the breeze. Her hair, black as a waterfall, cascaded gently, its dark sheen set off against the pristine jade. Even her face, usually pale to the point of bloodlessness, now seemed to glow with a touch of nobility.

"What is the meaning of this, A-Yu?" Xue Ci’s brows drew together slightly, though his tone remained gentle. "You’ve never been one for extravagance."

"That was in the past," Jiang Youyou replied, turning around, her eyes now shining with a livelier spirit. "Why? Does it pain you to see me spend my own money?"

"Isn’t what’s yours also mine?" Xue Ci regretted the words as soon as they left his lips, but forced himself to continue. "I just think all this is a bit excessive—things looked better as they were before." After all, these would all be his one day; how could he not feel a pinch at the waste?

"In that case, I’ll have everything removed. It’s more comfortable as it was." With that, she waved toward a maid sweeping in the distance, but the girl seemed not to see her, paying her no heed.

Jiang Youyou was in no hurry to speak again. She toyed with a creamy white jade pendant in her hand, its surface cool and smooth as coagulated fat, adorned with delicate carvings. She turned it lightly between her fingers, savoring the chill it brought.

Just then, Mufeng, who stood nearby, spoke up at just the right moment. "My lady’s money is hers to spend as she pleases. I don’t believe it’s your place, sir, to comment."

Xue Ci’s expression froze completely, even the smile on his face slipping away. "So, what does this mean?"

His words were directed at Jiang Youyou.

"Hmm? Don’t be angry at Mufeng, Xue Lang. He’s only looking out for me." Jiang Youyou turned the jade pendant with gentle fingers, her voice soft as ever. "After all, you did marry into the Jiang family. But you’ve always been broad-minded, Xue Lang. Surely you wouldn’t take offense at something so trivial?"

"Married in?" Xue Ci’s face darkened. "Jiang Youyou, are you insulting me?"

He flung his sleeve and turned to leave, though his steps were slow.

[Ten points of resentment received!] Naiqi sighed: When it comes to precision strikes, my host excels!

"It was merely a statement of fact. Why get so angry, Xue Lang? If you consider it an insult, why did you marry into the Jiang family in the first place? Or could it be, as the storybooks say, that it was all for the Jiang family’s wealth?" Her words were sharp, her tone icy, each syllable hitting its mark.

One, two, three.

The sound behind him came right on cue. Xue Ci paused, ready to declare that this wouldn’t happen again, but the words he heard instead left him stunned: "A-Yu, how can you treat me this way? After all the devotion I’ve shown you!"

Oh, now he’s turning the tables.

"Xue Lang, are you truly willing to quarrel with me over mere money?" Jiang Youyou’s tone grew colder, more distant.

Xue Ci halted reflexively, but remembering her insult just now, quickened his pace.

That Jiang Youyou—so arrogant, so obsessed with wealth—she wasn’t even a match for Lin Wanyin!

"Mufeng," Jiang Youyou called, waving her hand. He nodded and quickly followed after.

Xue Ci had barely stepped into the courtyard when Mufeng entered right on his heels. "Sir, since you dislike these trappings of gold and silver, my lady says there’s no need for them to offend your eyes. So kindly return the Jiang family’s account books and the keys to the government offices to her."